The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Terry Leyden, raised the issue of the imminent bus strike. Under legislation the National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for decision-making on how best to balance direct award and tendered for PSO bus services. Following a wide-ranging consultation process, it decided in late 2013 that 10% of the PSO bus market should be tendered for. Up until the recent trade union withdrawal on 30 March, the NTA was proceeding with the public procurement process while participating in an LRC facilitated process to address CIE employees' concerns about the implications of this market opening. There has been intensive engagement for some time on employee issues. It is the view of the Government that the LRC discussions will allow employee concerns to be addressed satisfactorily. The introduction of competitive tendering has the potential to save taxpayers' money, encourage cost competitiveness and enhance service quality. International experience indicates that competitive tendering is beneficial in providing subsidised PSO bus services. Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus will be able to bid in the tendering process when it commences in mid-2015. Last year, in a bid to support the companies, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus received more than €90 million in PSO payments from the taxpayer, over and above passenger fare income, to provide public bus services. A further €90 million in funding was also provided for new buses and the upgrade of the fleet. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, recently expressed his commitment to securing an increase in the subvention provided for the companies to deliver additional services and increase frequencies for commuters. This year, for the first time since 2008, the level of PSO contribution for bus and rail services is being maintained at the same level as last year. However, taxpayer support for improved bus services should be given in conjunction with a degree of competition.

It is disappointing that the NBRU and SIPTU withdrew from the discussions being facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission. The discussions had been aimed at addressing employee concerns about how the tendering process for 10% of the routes might impact on them and significant progress was being made. There was a particular focus on facilitating the vast majority of employees remaining in either Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus, if either company did not succeed in the tendering process. This was on the basis of growth in bus frequencies on the routes remaining with Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. The talks were focused on protecting the terms and conditions of employees who did not transfer to other operators. It was made clear during the discussions that pension provisions would also be maintained. The threatened industrial action should be called off. One of the objectives of the LRC negotiations was to enable the vast majority of existing employees to remain within Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. In addition, the terms, conditions and pension benefits of employees who transferred would be maintained. Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus have the potential to have a bright future in the growing PSO market. As Senator Terry Leyden said, the threatened industrial action can only damage the companies and disrupt services to the travelling public at a crucial time of the year in the context of tourism. I hope the unions will continue to negotiate with the Labour Relations Commission and dispense with the proposed strike action.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on the report on Seanad reform. Such a debate was also called for in the House yesterday. I will engage with the chairman of the group on having a debate on the report to take place during the first week in May.

Senator Ivana Bacik also referred to the legislation on cyberbullying to be tabled by Senator Lorraine Higgins. Senator Ivana Bacik is correct that this is a matter of grave concern for everybody in the House and the general public. The effect of cyberbullying on young people, in particular, is dreadful. We have heard about so many such incidents. It is welcome that Senator Lorraine Higgins proposes to introduce legislation which will allow us to discuss the issue.

On school admissions policies, a matter which was also raised yesterday by Senator Jim D'Arcy, I will endeavour to have the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, come to the House for a debate on the matter. The Minister will be in the House next week for a debate on another matter.

Senator Sean D. Barrett and several other Senators expressed their sympathy to the Buckley family on the tragic death of their beautiful daughter.

I am sure we would all like to be associated with a vote of sympathy to the family. We all join the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in thanking the police service in Scotland for its assistance and professionalism in dealing with this very tragic case. Our hearts go out to the Buckley family and all of their neighbours in Mourneabbey who have been so supportive of them in recent days.

Senator Sean D. Barrett referred to tendering for bus services and favours putting 10% of bus routes out to tender. I note his points on postal services which have been raised by the joint committee on several occasions.

Senator Paul Coghlan's intervention on the plight of councillors is timely. There is no doubt that their workload has increased significantly since the local elections and their electoral areas are much larger than heretofore. Some stretch as far as 60 miles, which means that they are far broader than many constituencies throughout the country. There are also fewer councillors to deal with problems. They have more committee meetings to attend and there is an 80% attendance requirement if they are to receive the representation allowance of €16,500, which allowance is taxable and subject to PRSI and universal social charge. In many councils meetings are called during working hours, which discriminates against those who are working and prevents them from attending meetings to represent their constituents. It has been highlighted and we all know that conferences have been eliminated, with the exception of training conferences and conferences of representative associations. Councillors were assured the representation allowance would be increased to compensate them for the undoubted increase in their workload but that has not happened. As Senators Paul Coghlan, Diarmuid Wilson and others mentioned, this is unfair and unjust and would not be allowed to happen in any other profession. Councillors are, undoubtedly, on the front line of our democracy and the Government needs to treat them with respect, which is not the case. I am certainly willing to work with the representative associations to arrange meetings with the Minister, if they so wish, to address their legitimate concerns. I hope and I am confident that councillors have the full support of this House in their endeavours to seek just recompense for the work they are doing. I certainly agree with the sentiments expressed by all councillors. During the Commencement debate yesterday Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised the question of PRSI and the fact that no benefits derived from it.

Senator John Kelly referred to the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy and expressed disappointment about the review of the case. He called for the establishment of a full commission of inquiry to investigate the event. Obviously, that is matter for the Government, but I am sure it will be considered. A commitment was made to undertake a review which has taken place.

As I stated, Senator Diarmuid Wilson mentioned the plight of councillors and called for a debate on the issue of local government reform.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton referred to Startup Galway and the encouragement of entrepreneurs and start-up companies. She outlined that 63% of companies intended to increase their workforce. She also referred to people who were returning home to take up jobs and make use of the skills and expertise they had gained abroad. This is a very welcome development.

Senator Aideen Hayden referred to the help the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade gave to people abroad. She also referred to repossessions and the protection of tenants and called for a debate on the matter. I am trying to arrange such a debate with the Minister for Finance.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to the 24-hour crackdown on speeding, an EU initiative. The crackdown will occur in the next 24 hours. There is a need for people to be vigilant and keep road safety to the fore in their minds at all times. The Senator also congratulated the new president of Macra na Feirme, as did Senator Michael Comiskey, and praised the work of the organisation during the years.

Senator Terry Brennan referred to the beautiful mediaeval town of Carlingford and expressed the wish that County Louth would not be forgotten in the Ireland's Ancient East scheme that had been announced. I am sure that will not be allowed to happen.

Senator Michael Comiskey referred to Seán Mac Diarmada's house, an issue he has mentioned on the Order of Business previously. He referred to the need for further improvements to facilitate access to the cottage.

Senator Catherine Noone referred to the proposed new Luas line from Broombridge to the airport. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss the matter when the full report is made available.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the resignation of the surgeon dealing with organ donations. As the Senator rightly pointed out, the surgeon is an expert in this area and has given wonderful service to the health service for many years. I am not aware of the circumstances surrounding his resignation. I am sure the HSE will be monitoring the position. This is related to the point made by Senator John Crown who mentioned the compulsory retirement of an eminent specialist consultant on age grounds. People who are very capable and want to continue to work should be allowed to do so. I do not know what is preventing the individual in question from continuing, but I share the Senator's concerns and hope common sense will prevail. It is not evident, however, on many occasions. I hope eminent staff who wish to continue to work will be able to do so. As the Senator rightly pointed out, we are having difficulty in recruiting people to fill various positions. Therefore, we need to rethink the policy applied in such circumstances.

We all join Senator John Crown in expressing sympathy on the death of Dr. Mary Redmond, the founder of the hospice movement. She did tremendous work throughout the country. She was a solicitor and a member of many boards. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her and the whole country.